Why did we choose the name Le Pont? Monseigneur Pierre Blanchard, director of the office for cultural communities and rituals, explains: “A bridge is used to pass from one place to another, from the place where we are to the place we are going to. This is what the people who live here temporarily are going through: they left their home countries and are now here while they search for an apartment”, the place where, in time, they would like to go. Furthermore, Msgr. Blanchard adds, the work done by the personnel and the volunteers also inspires an analogy of a bridge, because “they try to create bonds, human bridges, intangible, but real, with the residents.”
The opening of the Le Pont centre has made our archbishop, Msgr. Christian Lépine, very proud. On the occasion of its opening he wore a t-shirt marked with the slogan Plus de ponts moins de murs (more bridges fewer walls). “It is a human venture, open to all. Yes, the Church is made up of Catholics, but not only them, contrary to the general impression. For Jesus, for his Church, each person counts, and deserves to be cared for by us. It is a sacred duty. Opening the door of our home gives us the opportunity to also open the door of our heart.”
Le Pont, a sign of the loving presence of God in the Church and in society
Fully aware that the influx of asylum seekers raises many questions in the hearts of the people of Quebec – many strongly legitimate ones -, Msgr. Christian Lépine reminds us of our common duty to provide “a balm for the hearts of people who suffer. A human being is a human being, regardless of their situation”.
On a spiritual note, Msgr. Alain Faubert, auxiliary bishop of Montreal, shares his great joy in seeing the Le Pont centre making God present in the hearts of the people who live there, who work there or who volunteer there. For him, “this is how the Gospel bears fruit. Explaining the values and the faith of the Church is good and necessary; nevertheless, seeing them take shape, seeing them embodied in a project like this one, is even more beautiful. God is present here”, the auxiliary bishop concludes.
The centre’s coordinator, Arthur Durieux affirms, “Le Pont is a family. This is a home, not a treatment centre. The personnel and the volunteers are at home and the residents too. We all make up one big family.”
If you are an asylum seeker and in need of temporary housing, please communicate directly with your social worker.
We are situated at:
2700, rue Lacordaire, 2nd floor
Montréal (Qc)
H1N 2M6
Email: lepont@diocesemontreal.org
Web Site: https://www.appimontreal.org/
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lepontmontreal
Telephone: (514) 715-5847
Made to measure volunteering
Would you like to join this big, beautiful family and give a little bit – or a lot – of your time? The Le Pont centre is in constant need of volunteers to help meet the challenges of each day: sorting donations, activities with the children, the women of the centre, organizing outings, etc. Our volunteer opportunities are… made to measure! Rest assured: (all) of your talents will be put to good use, according to your wishes and the time that you have to give to us (to them)!
Do you want to help, to change the world? To give is to receive. Contact us NOW! (Tab link Join us)
Every donation counts!
Each day, we provide our beneficiaries with clothes, toys and whenever possible, fresh produce. Thanks to the incomparable support of the Catholic Action organization and numerous donors, the beneficiaries also receive free furniture.
If you would like to provide us with financial support, do not hesitate to contact us by email or by telephone, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:40pm at (514) 715-5847.
If you would like to make a financial contribution right now, please click here:
With the closure of many food banks and store shortages, we have identified two important needs for Le Pont. See the suggestions below.
- Donations can be deposited on Mondays and Wednesdays at Le Pont.
- Please call in advance to notify a person who's responsible.
- 2700 Lacordaire Street / entrance through the yellow door at the back of the building
FOOD AID FOR FAMILIES
- Rice
- vegetable oil
- Bread
- peanut butter
- tomato coulis
- tomato concentrate
- Eggs
- fresh vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes,...)
- fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges...)
- Yogurt
- Milk
- snacks for children
MAINTENANCE AND DISINFECTION PRODUCTS FOR THE RESIDENCE
- Disinfectant spray (Lysol)
- Wet disinfectant wipes
- Disinfectant, antibacterial liquid, spray
- Hydroalcoholic solution for hands
- Plastic gloves
How to Contact us:
Thank you so much for your valuable help!
09-04-2020